Publication: The development of a three-dimensional cervical spondylotic myelopathy finite element model and measurements of its mechanical and fluid dynamics: Pre-testing
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Date
2022
Authors
Azhari, Puteri Wan Nur Izzati
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Abstract
Background: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a spinal cord dysfunction caused by degenerative changes in the vertebral column and it is the most common disorder in the elderly population. The degenerative changes may lead to increased pressure in the vertebral canal and spinal cord compression in severe cases. The aim of this study is to look for the observable difference of the pressure in the vertebral canal and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow between a normal cervical spine and CSM spine. Method: Comparative case-control study design was used.Two 3-dimensional (3D) patient-specific finite element (FE) models were developed; one for a normal spine and one for CSM spine. The 3D FE models were then used to determine and observe the changes in pressure on the spinal cord, pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the CSF flow between the normal cervical spine and CSM spine. Results: From the developed 3D FE model, it was observed in the 3D FE CSM model, at the level of C3 until C6 vertebra the height of the vertebral body decreases, there are presence of osteophytes, thus narrowing of the subarachnoid space and spinal cord compression were also visualised. In addition, the average pressure on the spinal cord for CSM spine is 3.89% higher and for the pressure of the CSF for CSM spine is 4.29% higher compared to normal spine. Besides that, for the CSF flow of the CSM spine, it showed 6.06% slower in the velocity compared to the normal spine. Conclusion: This study confirms the higher pressure in a CSM spine compared to a normal spine, in which the pressure was worsen at the affected level C3 to C6; however, it is also noted that the changes in CSM condition also influenced the upper and lower-level vertebra. Besides that, the 3D finite element method used serves as an alternative research tool in spine study.